WAR POETRY--award winner

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: a sonnet

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: a sonnet


Why be quiet when others think they’re wise,
And nod in agreement to what they say?
Because some others my looks do despise,
Why should I from the path of duty sway?

Don’t I too have my own independence
Of thought and speech and my religion, too?
Can’t I too speak without let or hindrance,
And put forth my views that I think are true?

Those who eulogise democracy and
Spread falsehood in the guise of their free speech,
Ought to grant freedom to their foe or friend,
Rather than seek to fortify its breach.


Why cook up lies about WMD?
Why attack nations? Why not they be free?


M C Gupta
18 January 2006